This trek starts from kumbakarai falls. It’s approximately 7kms from periyakulam and 25 to 27 kms from bathlagundu. As soon as u reach the falls entrance u will be stopped at the forest department check post, where you have to pay a nominal entry fee. Its advised to start the trek before 9am, you might face visibility problem due to mist in the afternoon. This is an all season trek.
This earthen road is being used by the villagers of vellagavi for many years to transport and trade their hill produce to the market in periyakulam. This path also connects kodaikanal and kumbakarai through vattakanal(dolphin nose). This trek can easily be done in a single day. The route is moderate. One can start trekking after a nice bath from the kumbakarai falls.
There is also a small temple, toilet and a change room. Cross the stream behind the temple (Lord muruga and ganesa) u will reach a forest department sign board. A clear foot path on the right side near the sign board will invite you, please don’t take that route.
You will cross a stream then a bridge and land up nowhere, instead take the route which is on the left side. A small foot path starts from here and lead you through thick shrubs and dense forest. Before you start ask any one there how to go to vellagavi?
The road passes through thick forest and many coffee plantations. Tamarind trees guide you on either side of the road. One can also find people transporting coffee beans, pepper, jack fruit, banana and other fruits and vegetables on donkey and horseback.
First land mark: please watch for the
mile stone on the 2km.
Second landmark: From here soon you will reach a place with a
huge rock under a big tamarind tree. Watch for the direction towards vellagavi. Turn right. Its 6kms from here. Please don’t take the road towards the left side of the rock which leads to the estate.
Third landmark: on the way you will cross a small stream called vannathi odai. You can refill your water cans here. there is also a small knee deep fresh water pool on the right side. Immediately after crossing this you will reach a
fearsome temple under a huge pupil tree. Proceed towards your right. While crossing one can also hear the water flowing from Vellagavi River. One can easily reach vellagavi before noon.
Fourth landmark: watch for the bison footprints on the side of the trail. After trekking in the sides of the mountains for a while,
you will enter a dark estate with coffee and cardamom plantation on either side. You can see jack fruit trees and banana trees. You will cross a small stream before reaching
vellagavi. Vellagavi is a small village with around 50 houses. One will be amazed to find satellite TV connections in all the houses. All the houses are connected with proper roads. It’s a small community of estate workers. It has one school. A teacher comes daily from kodaikanal. Post reaches every day at 2pm. There are no shops, but people here are very friendly. One can even bump in to a house for a meal. In case of any medical emergency, local people join hands to build a stretcher using bamboo sticks and take the patient to kodai or periyakulam. From this village one has to further trek for another 3 to 4 hours. You can stop here for lunch.
Fifth landmark: you might face a little visibility problem due to mist from here onwards. It’s advised to take a torch. Soon you will reach a
ridge in between mountains covered with ‘flame of the forest’ trees. From here onwards it’s steep. Please stop in between for the spectacular view of the mountains.
Sixth landmark: The path will be filled with stones. It takes you through beautiful meadows and tall green grasslands around the mountains. Some places look exactly like Grand Canyon. As if the water has washed the entire mountain walls many many years ago. Flame of the forest will welcome you throughout till you reach beneath
dolphin nose. If you are lucky one can spot many birds and wild boar.
Seventh landmark: The last 100meters of the trek is very tiring and steep. This is
vattakanal for you. Ancient tree roots form the natural steps. Each step is 1.5 feet high, rough and wide. Then you will reach the tar road near the church and forest department nursery. From here kodaikanal is 5 to 7 kms. Follow the road which leads to T.V.Tower and then to Coaker’s walk. From here one can reach the bus stand. Or get a jeep ride from dolphin nose (vattakanal).
Tips:
• Cell phone signal is available during 60% of the trek. Please switch off to enjoy your trek.
• Please don’t inform any one about the trek, forest department might deny entry.
• Some say this is a drug peddlers route, but we have trekked thrice not faced any problem
• First timers start early before 9am from the falls.
• Pack your lunch and breakfast. Carry enough water. Streams might dry during summer.
• A day backpack is enough. Always travel light for a comfortable trek.
• Trace the trekking route with fresh and dry donkey dung, which is all along till vellagavi.
• Stay the night before in periyakulam or in bathlagundu and start early for a leisure trek.
• Don’t walk fast. Reaching the destination should not be your goal. Enjoy the beauty of nature, birds, wildlife and mountains with your pals. Stop frequently for a snap.
Enjoy trekking!
Trekking Level: Moderate
Trekking Distance:
kumbakarai to vellagavi - 8 kms all approximate
Vellagavi to vattakanal – 4 to 6 kms
Vattakanal to kodaikanal – 5 to 7 kms
Total = 17 to 21 kms
Trekking Time: 7 to 8 Hours (approx)
After a tiring and disappointing half finished trek we took an early sleep in the mid of 8 degree chillness in kodai. Our final day started early before the sun raise. Shivering without a jacket in the chilling weather our wanabe photographer’s mouli and abilash were already in action chasing birds, mountains, sun and me. The morning started with the panoramic site of the dark orange and light yellow sky in between the dark green Mountains.
